Tributes pour as Village Defence Guard laid to rest

The somber echoes of mourning engulfed the ancestral village of Village Defence Guard (VDG) Mohd Sharief, who made the ultimate sacrifice in a gunfight with terrorists. Amid pouring rain, Sharief was laid to rest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday, as heartfelt tributes resonated for his bravery and calls surged for a relief package to support his grieving family.

Sharief, aged 47, succumbed to his injuries during a fierce encounter with terrorists who had infiltrated from across the border, launching a deadly assault on a joint patrolling party of police and VDG in Panara village of Basantgarh.

The poignant farewell ceremony witnessed Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Anand Jain, paying homage to the fallen hero for his valiant stand against terrorism. Despite the adverse weather, hundreds of mourners, including locals and VDG members, gathered to bid farewell to Sharief, whose courage left an indelible mark on his community.
As the final rites unfolded, mourners besieged Sharief’s residence, expressing solidarity with his family and urging the government to extend a rehabilitation package for his bereaved wife, mother, and five minor daughters, who now grapple with the loss of their sole breadwinner.

Fatima Begum, Sharief’s wife, voiced the anguish of a family shattered by tragedy. “Who will take care of my five minor daughters now?” she lamented, her words encapsulating the profound void left by her husband’s sacrifice.
Naseema Bano, Sharief’s sister-in-law, echoed the sentiments of many, stressing the government’s responsibility to support the family in their hour of need. “He laid down his life for the nation, and we are proud of his sacrifice,” she remarked, urging swift action to alleviate their plight.

Amidst the tributes, Mohd Abaaz, Sharief’s brother and fellow VDG member, recounted the harrowing encounter, reaffirming their commitment to defending their community against terrorism. He expressed hope for government assistance, including a government job for one of Sharief’s daughters, to secure their future.

As the community grapples with the loss of a brave soul, the call for support and recognition for Sharief’s sacrifice reverberates, underscoring the enduring resilience and solidarity of the people in the face of adversity.